Life — February 19, 1920 — page 1: what you’re looking at

What you’re looking at

# "AU REVOIR" - Life Magazine, February 19, 1920 This page shows a two-part illustration titled "Au Revoir" (French for "goodbye"). The left image depicts a solitary figure in a long coat and hat, shown in profile against darkness, appearing to depart. The right image shows an ornate interior space—possibly a ballroom or formal venue—decorated with elaborate garlands, wreaths, and floral arrangements, with figures gathered inside. The satire likely comments on post-WWI social transitions, with the solitary departing figure contrasting sharply with continued festive civilian life. Given the February 1920 date (shortly after WWI's November 1918 armistice), this may reference soldiers returning home or the shift from wartime to peacetime society. The French title emphasizes the European context, suggesting commentary on America's relationship to post-war Europe.